Wednesday 15th April 2009

321bhp VXR Goes Toe-To-Toe With Audi

Vauxhall says hot Insignia has got what it takes to upstage Audi's S4

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A muscular 321bhp Insignia VXR has been revealed by Vauxhall, and the new model has its sights set firmly on Audi’s S4.

Hot VXR has a distinctive new face

The new VXR will go on sale this summer priced around £30k. As well as boasting a brawny new version of GM’s 2.8 litre ECOTEC V6 with a forged steel crank, alloy sump, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve timing, the Insignia is the first VXR model to get a 4x4 chassis. It’s a Haldex adaptive system apparently similar to the Saab 9-3 Turbo X set-up and features an electronic limited slip differential.

The hot Vauxhall also gets what’s described as a high performance strut (HiPerStrut) front suspension system, as well as revised bushing and damper settings all round. The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and is said to both reduce torque steer, and to maintain negative camber during cornering – improving grip in the wet or dry.

19ins alloy wheels are standard

The car rides 10mm closer to the tarmac than its SRi sibling on 19ins alloys wheels, while brakes are vented/cross-drilled discs with colour-keyed callipers by Brembo.

According to Vauxhall’s figures the car is good for an electronically limited maximum of 155mph and can reach 60mph from rest in 5.8secs. Much of chassis development was carried out at the Nürburgring, and Vauxhall seems convinced that its new model will be a viable competitor for ‘up-market’ rivals like the 328 bhp Audi S4.

Interior gets bespoke graphics, Recaros

‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,’ says Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’

Talking of styling, the Insignia VXR should be instantly recognisable by its deep front bumper with bold mesh grilles, a rear spoiler and dual chrome tailpipes. Inside the VXR cabin you get Recaro front seats, VXR steering wheel and gearknob, unique instrument graphics and black headlining. Exterior colour options are limited to blue, red, black, silver, white and grey.

As well as the hatch and saloon models, Vauxhall will also introduce an estate version of its hottest Insignia. Expect the wagon to command a showroom premium of around £1400.

The view Vauxhall wants Audi to see...

[Johnspex]

I saw a "normal" Insignia on the road for the first time recently. I was staggered by how ugly it was. Mind you, I think 321 bhp could make me forget that.

[D7]

I think this will unfortunately be a victim of badge-snobbery, and lose many potential customers on that basis.

If Vauxhall want to tempt Audi customers, maybe they should redesign their lurid VXR badges to be a little more subtle.

[v10_gt]

I like the look of that, quite 'aggresive'

Edited by v10_gt on Wednesday 15th April 11:27

[Superhoop]

I hate to say it (and trust me, it really hurts to admit this) it actually looks quite nice. The base car is just truely horrible, but they seem to have done a good job of the VXR

Lets just wait to see if it handles as badly as previous VXR's. Vauxhall seem to have a nasty habit of bolting in a big engine, and not changing the chassis to suit

[Silverbullet767]

Ugly, ugly car.

And it wont hold it's value like an Audi does.

If given the choice between a brand new Insignia VXR or a used Audi S4, I'd choose the S4.

And not only because of badge snobbery, I'd have a monaro any day of the week.

ETA: What is with the new Vauxhall badge, its massive, make it smaller or change it to the opel badge, much nicer IMO.

Edited by Silverbullet767 on Wednesday 15th April 11:30

[Cuprasport]

In VXR guise it looks to be an attractive car even a banglesk quality to the side profile as well in the shots anyway, undercutting the Audi as well, but brand snobbery will no doubt stop it from reaching the potential it on paper appears to have. Would make a good second hand buy though, probably losing 10k in the first 6-12 months. I wonder if Seat will go after this car with the new Exo in Cupra guise (though Audi may see that as a step to far :-( ) Funny how they have failed to mention the 335i saloon in this article as well, I assume thats because it is missing 4wd

Edited by Cuprasport on Wednesday 15th April 11:30

Edited by Cuprasport on Wednesday 15th April 11:32

[G_T]

Seen a few of these Insignias in standard trim up close. Absolutely Pug-fugly, a funny exhaust and a few more holes in the bumper aint gonna change that.

To me it looks like Vauxhall should stay within their market. Stick to Hatchbacks with typically "slightly above average" stats instead of competing with the big boys.

On the plus side though after going for a drive in VXR Astra a few weeks ago it was a nice piece of kit. So there's every chance it might be a half-decent car they cobble together.

[BMWBen]

Looks like a lexus. Fugly. Interior is a total mess too!

Edited by BMWBen on Wednesday 15th April 11:32

[DamoLLb]

30K? Just who is going to buy a £30K Vauxhall? I thought Vauxhall must have learnt that last time with the Vectra VXR. I can see dealer principles tooling around in these for 6 months and selling them for 14K!

I'm sure it will be in the highest comapany tax band/VED band too.

[Munter]

Superhoop said:

Lets just wait to see if it handles as badly as previous VXR's.

Yeah I hear the Monaro and the VX200 and the VXR8 are rubbish... Evo even went on about how well the Vectra VXR handled, compared to an Evo and Subaru on the same test. The Corsa was well recieved as well I think.

So yeah. They have all been shocking....

[Neomagic]

I think it looks all round pretty good to be honest, at least its 4WD and has a decent engine.

The front end isn't particularly great but it doesn’t look bad at all.

[HellDiver]

The hatch looks like ass, the Sport Tourer is a much much better looking car.

[adycav]

This will be an absolute massive used bargain, if it turns out to be any good.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Ford, you need to respond to this with a proper hot Mondeo.

[wab172uk]

Think Vauxpoo has missed a trick here.

There's room on that dashboard for a few more buttons.

[G_T]

Munter said:

Superhoop said:

Lets just wait to see if it handles as badly as previous VXR's.

Yeah I hear the Monaro and the VX200 and the VXR8 are rubbish... Evo even went on about how well the Vectra VXR handled, compared to an Evo and Subaru on the same test. The Corsa was well recieved as well I think.

So yeah. They have all been shocking....

Yeah those VX200's are beasts aren't they?

Mocking aside it amazed me the slating that Vectra VXR got from Clarkson seeing as it was recommended highly by EVO magazine. Didn't really help the rumours that he gets back handers from Ford.

I'd have a quick vauxhall but I wouldn't pay 30k for one.

[Matt_]

People that are looking at Audi S4's, BMW 335's etc. etc. aren't going to be interested in that no matter how good it is or isn't

[stew-S160]

there is an Insignia up on the main road outside my work. frakking ugly thing.

[tim2100]

This looks great as long as anywhere you park/stop it is reveresed in as the car looks dreadful from the rear.

Its good that VX as doing something to get their range sporty, however people opinions will never change, and this will always be treated with the same contemp as The original Vectra, with residuals to match.

[chunkymonkey71]

Johnspex said:

I saw a "normal" Insignia on the road for the first time recently. I was staggered by how ugly it was. Mind you, I think 321 bhp could make me forget that.

I agree. It has absolutely no style at all.

Like a big jelly mould. Instantly forgettable.

[TaylotS2K]

Don't know why but that front grill reminds me of a Skoda Octavia.